Approval of building plans still take 2 years in Bengaluru: Land developers

Frustrated property developers and architects claim that they have to submit 31 applications to get building plans sanctioned by Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).ManuAiyappa Kanathanda | TNN | October 21, 2017, 14:00 IST

BENGALURU: The state government’s assurance to the real estate sector that it would introduce online services and fast track building plans and other sanctions, has fallen through. The government promised this after it got low ranking in the ease-of-doing business, due to delays and lax administration.

Development and building plan approval delays were the major factors for the low ranking. In ordinate delays, at times stretching for 24 months, are leading to illegal buildings springing up in and around Bengaluru and Tier-2 cities. Frustrated property developers and architects claim that they have to submit 31 applications to get building plans sanctioned by Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). This is also true for development plans, sketch plans and occupancy certificates, that have collectively contributed to soaring home prices.

Developers of big projects are forced to wait for 6 to 24 months for plan approval by BDA’s building control division. Farook Mahmood, world president of the Federation Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers (FIABCI) — The International Real Estate Federation — said, “Long delays have only added to the woes of developers, and the cost of projects, making property buying an expensive proposition.

It’s time BDA brings in reforms to make life easier for the developer and consumer.” Suresh Hari, managing partner,Vishal Promoters and Developers, said: “Asking for more documents only defeats the purpose and puts extreme pressure on developers to complete projects in time, with RERA in place. The government should introduce a transparent process, and accelerate the use of online e-permits to speed up reviews and reduce paperwork.” An architect said that according to law, the BDA or BBMP should approve building plans within eight weeks.

“There has been no progress in the past year in addressing bottlenecks.The system is unacceptable as nothing moves without greasing the palms of babus who sanction plans. Thisisfrustrating for prospective home owners who cannot legally build newhouses,or alter existing homes, and also for builders who suffer cash flow problems as a result.” BDA commissioner Rakesh Singh said they have taken measures to streamline the process by introducing online services.“I will hold a meeting with select builders next week to understand their problems in getting building and other plans sanctioned, and will ensure there are no more in ordinate delays,”he added.